Technology and Markets

Technology and Markets Strategy Group

This group works closely with the community and stakeholders to develop and articulate a shared understanding of the opportunities for the development of library infrastructure and for digital transformation driven by member needs. It also identifies and seeks to overcome  barriers to the adoption of new technologies for libraries, for example in relation to artificial intelligence (AI). It also helps articulate member needs to providers.

It is looking at: 

  • The transformative potential, and practical application, of AI solutions for libraries and library interaction with AI technologies in higher education.

  • The future technology needs of the sector and the scope for technology-enabled innovation across the sector, spreading innovative practice and supporting early adoption.

  • A clear common understanding of the technology needs of the sector, working closely with providers to ensure that questions of requirements, value for money and the values and ethics of the sector are communicated. 

Recent work by the group has included development of our technology survey which provides valuable intelligence on the use and perceptions of library technology amongst SCONUL members. Find out more here.

It has also produced work on the future of the systems librarian and on the development of technology-enabled library spaces.

Current Projects

AI for libraries: The team from the Technology and Markets Group which leads our work on AI is active in exploring the opportunities and challenges that the new technologies present for the sector. This includes exploring developments in teaching and learning and research, for example AI and transformation of the content space; the world of work; the impact of AI on user behaviour; on repositories and AI and ethics. The group runs monthly AI coffee mornings, regular webinars, as well as engaging directly with providers.  

Supplier Relationships: This new project will be engaging directly with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure clarity about the needs of the sector in the technology space.

Digital Futures: This new project will exploring the future needs and expectations of the SCONUL community regarding library technology stacks and institutional integration. 

 

University of Portsmouth

Group membership

  • Fiona Greig, University of Winchester (Co-chair)
  • Mark Hughes, Cardiff Metropolitan University (Co-chair)
  • Andrew Brown, Swansea University
  • Sue Egleton, University of Reading
  • Birgit Fraser, Anglia Ruskin University
  • Anna Grigson, University of Sheffield
  • Rebecca Hirsch, Edinburgh University
  • Graeme Kemp, University of St Andrews

 
  • Jo Lambert, SCONUL
  • Gareth Owen, Cardiff University
  • Ann Rossiter, SCONUL
  • Jane Saunders, University of Leeds
  • Ciaran Talbot, University of Manchester 
  • Amy Warner May, University of Oxford
  • Wendy White, University of Southampton
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